Byrd shredded Texans CB Robert Nelson for four receptions – on four targets – for all 98 of his receiving yards, and a pair of touchdowns. Backup QB Joe Webb connected with Byrd for scoring strikes of 50 yards and another from eight yards that proved to be the game-winning score. Byrd posted an impressive 6.13 yards per route run average over 16 snaps in route.

On the other side of the ball, defensive end Bryan Cox got the highest mark at 86.4, courtesy of two QB hits and four hurries:

The Panthers need support from the backup pass-rushers this season, and got just that from Cox tonight. He flustered Houston edge blockers all night, racking up two QB hits and four hurries on just 21 rushes. His pass-rush grade of 83.9 and run defense grade of 84.2 were both tops for Carolina.

Both players are in tough position battles and certainly helped their cause on Wednesday night. Their counterparts Kelvin Benjamin and Daeshon Hall also scored strong.